Fever Helps You Heal

In most cases, a fever is the way your body is fighting an infection and it should be allowed to run its course.  An exception would be for an infant three months or younger where any fever is a reason to call the doctor.

Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be given to children over two years of age according to the dosage guidelines on the packaging.  Under two years of age you should get a dosage recommendation from the doctor.  No child under 18 should ever be given aspirin.  There may be serious side effects for children.

Home Fever Care

A person or child with a fever should be encouraged to rest.  Any activity will increase a fever.  If there are chills associated with the fever, it is best to keep warm until the chills and shivering subside.  Shivering is the body’s attempt to get warm.

Lots of fluids should be taken when there is a fever to prevent dehydration and replace lost fluids.  Many herbal teas provide comfort and hydration.  Water, juice, soups and broths are all good ways to keep fluids up.  For very young children there are rehydration formulas which replace fluids and electrolytes lost during a fever.

You can relieve a high fever with a lukewarm bath.  Only bathe for five or ten minutes and stop if the patient starts to shiver.  It is not advisable to use cold baths or compresses or alcohol rubs to reduce a fever.

Herbal Fever Treatment

As easy herbal tea that helps to reduce fever is made from fresh ginger root.  Use a few slices of the root in a cup of boiling water or add some ginger to a cup of green or black tea.  Ginger has medicinal benefits and can help to reduce a fever.
Using the essential oil of eucalyptus to produce clouds of steam with a humidifier can also help to reduce a fever and is an excellent decongestant.

Another tea to select if the fever is associated with a cold or flu is Echinacea.  This herb is commonly used to combat cold and flu and also acts to relieve a fever.